Henry Nolla's Carving Shed

In the late 70's, the McDiarmid family began construction on their cabin at the north end of Shell Beach with the help of a local Tofino contractor, Don McGinnis and master carver Henry Nolla. During the building phase, Dr. McDiarmid developed a deep respect and trust for Henry, inviting him to build his own place on the property in exchange for serving as the cabin’s custodian and protector.

Portrait of carver Henry Nolla wearing a plaid jacket, seated beside a wood carving inside his workshop
Master carver Henry Nolla in his carving shed

A legacy of craftsmanship

The family later built The Wickanninnish Inn in the 1990s. Working from his Carving Shed on Chesterman Beach and directly on the beach itself, Henry completed much of the adze work found throughout the Inn. Using tools he designed and forged himself, he carved our impressive yellow cedar welcoming doors, the signature fireplace mantles found in each guest room, and all of the post and beam work found throughout the Inn’s public spaces.

Artistic mentorship

Henry was beloved by the Tofino community. Over the years, he became a mentor to a vibrant group of West Coast wood carvers. His work can be seen throughout Tofino, including at the Common Loaf Bake Shop, the Village Green’s “Welcome to Tofino” sign, and most prominently, on the carved exterior of the Roy Henry Vickers' Eagle Aerie Gallery.

Portrait of carver Christen Dokk Smith in a workshop wearing an apron and cap, standing beside a wood piece
Carver Christen Dokk Smith in the Carving Shed
Portrait of carver Feather George outdoors, smiling and holding a carved wooden feather
Carver Feather George holding one of his hand-carved feathers

Drop in and meet the artists

Though Henry passed away in 2004, his legacy continues in the hub of activity at his carving shed on Chesterman Beach, located beside the Wickaninnish Inn's Beach Building. On your next walk down the beach, look for the yellow "Welcome" sign or the open door in front of the shed. We invite you to step inside and view the latest works from those who learned from and worked alongside Henry, such as "Feather" George Yearsley, and community-rooted artist Christen Dokk Smith.

Visit the Henry Nolla Art Gallery off the Driftwood Café in the Beach Building to see his tools on display.